Napa Cabbage Stir Fry

Napa Cabbage Stir Fry - Craving a light, flavorful dish that's quick to make? This Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple, healthy option loaded with crunchy cabbage, mushrooms, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil for extra flavor.

I'll walk you through how to make this delicious stir fry in just a few easy steps. It's packed with fresh, savory ingredients like ginger, sesame seeds, and cilantro for a dish that's as nutritious as it is tasty.

chinese cabbage stir fry with mushrooms.

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Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement dinner, this stir fry is the perfect choice.

Plus, it's super customizable-add some red chili flakes for a bit of heat or try it with coconut aminos for a soy-free and gluten free version!

Stir Fry Ingredients

Napa cabbage - also known as Chinese cabbage or Hokusai in Japanese, brings a special texture and sweet flavor to stir-fries. Opt for a larger cabbage head for best results.
Ginger + garlic - create a savory and aromatic base for your stir fry. Use fresh whenever possible.
Mushrooms - cremini, shiitake or white button mushrooms work well. Not a fan? Use tofu, tempeh, or a mix of carrots, onions, or bell peppers instead.
Sesame oil - toasted (preferred) sesame oil brings a bold sesame flavor and a delicious nutty, earthy taste.
Red chili flakes - optional garnish.
Soy sauce - adds a salty umami flavor. For gluten free use tamari or coconut aminos (slightly sweeter taste).
Rice vinegar - if you don't have it use apple cider vinegar.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How To Cook Napa Cabbage

Remove the stem end of the cabbage to create a stable base. Then, cut it into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn brown, around 5-7 minutes.

Stir in ginger and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir well to combine everything. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped cilantro and chili flakes.

🥢 Make Next: Asian Cabbage Stir Fry

Tips

You can drizzle the cabbage with garlic chili sauce and plenty of green onions for serving. Delicious!
Add protein. My pan-fried tofu is perfect for this stir-fry recipe.
I like to add cooked ground chicken or pork to make it a meal.
Mushroom alternative. Use other veggies or protein-rich chickpeas.
Top your napa cabbage and stir-fry it with some crispy bacon!
Soy sauce alternative. You can use teriyaki or oyster sauce if you don't have it. Taste as you go and adjust the amount.
You don't need a wok pan for this recipe, but if you have one, it's great for achieving authentic Chinese stir-fry. However, a simple skillet works just fine too!

Storing Leftovers

To Store. Store in the fridge for 3 days. I use these glass meal prep containers to store leftovers - they keep everything fresh for days.
To Reheat. Warm the stir fry gently in a large skillet or wok on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of rice vinegar to rejuvenate the cabbage for an extra flavor boost.
To Freeze. I don't recommend freezing this as the cabbage texture will change after thawing.

How Do I Avoid Overcooking Napa Cabbage in Stir Fry Dishes?

To prevent napa cabbage from becoming mushy, cook it over high heat for a short time.

Stir-frying the cabbage quickly until it just starts to wilt keeps it crisp and vibrant.

Overcooking can result in a loss of texture and flavor.

Julia's Tips For Cooking Napa Cabbage

Start by cooking the tougher napa cabbage pieces, then add the leafy parts.
Slice the thick, tough parts of the napa cabbage into smaller pieces than the leafy sections.
Season the napa cabbage with salt in two stages: when cooking the tough ribs, and then when adding the leafy portions.

What To Serve With Napa Cabbage

Add a little drizzle of Thai peanut sauce on top
Rice or glass noodles
Egg fried rice
Steamed vegetables
Pan seared pork chops
Pork tenderloin
Asian inspired baked trout or Miso salmon
Pickled daikon radish
Korean Pancakes

stir fried chinese cabbage in dark soy sauce.

More Asian Recipes

The Yummy Bowl's Famous Cabbage Recipes

Of all the cabbage recipes on the blog, this Napa Cabbage Stir Fry is definitely one of my favorites. It's crisp, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to make.

Whether you're new to cooking with cabbage or a long-time fan, this dish will quickly become a go-to.

If you're looking to explore more cabbage recipes, be sure to check out my ultimate collection of 40+ Best Cabbage Dishes featuring both red and white cabbage. And for an extra tasty twist, try topping this stir fry with my latest favorite Pickled Daikon Radish!

Before You Head Out

If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️

Recipe Card

Julia

How To Cook Napa Cabbage

4.98 from 37 votes

Savor a simple cabbage recipe: thinly sliced Napa cabbage stir-fried with mushrooms in a tasty Asian-inspired sauce. It's like bringing a taste of China to your table! Healthy and vegan-friendly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 162

Ingredients Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients

1 larger napa cabbage about 1 pound
2 teaspoon garlic cloves minced
¼ teaspoon ginger minced
9 ounce mushrooms
½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
2 tablespoons regular soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon olive oil or other oil for cooking
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Handful of cilantro for garnish
add salt to taste I added only a sprinkle
½ teaspoon sugar optional, will taste great without too

Method

Remove the stem end of the cabbage to create a stable base. Then, cut napa cabbage into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. Use everything, including the leaves and thicker part (but not the thick base). Set aside.
1 larger napa cabbage
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn brown, around 5-7 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 9 ounce mushrooms
Stir in ginger and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar and sugar if using.
2 teaspoon garlic cloves, ¼ teaspoon ginger, 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, ½ teaspoon sugar
Stir well to mix everything. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not overcook the cabbage; it will release too much liquid and make the sauce watery. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
add salt to taste
Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped cilantro and chili flakes.
½ teaspoon red chili flakes, Handful of cilantro for garnish, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1046mgPotassium: 604mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 17mg

Video

Notes

For Storage: Put the cooled cabbage stir-fry in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For Reheating, Warm it gently in a large skillet or wok on the stovetop over medium-low heat. To freshen up the cabbage, add a splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor.

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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

Napa Cabbage: FAQs

What is napa cabbage?

Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage that has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

It is commonly used in Asian cuisine for dishes like stir-fries and soups.

What ingredients are typically used in a cabbage stir fry?

A cabbage stir fry usually includes napa cabbage, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, tofu, and various vegetables.

Seasonings like rice vinegar, oyster sauce, or sesame oil can also add flavor.

How do you ensure the sauce thickens in a stir fry?

To thicken the sauce in a stir fry, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the dish.

The starch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks over high heat.

What are the key ingredients for a savory stir fry sauce?

A delicious cabbage stir-fry sauce typically includes components like soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar.

You can also add sesame oil, garlic, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor of your stir-fry dishes.